Anniversary badges for Redlands police and firefighters

REDLANDS - Police and firefighters have jumped right in to the city's 125th anniversary celebration.

Because of suggestions by Fire Chief Jeff Frazier and Police Chief Mark Garcia, both of whom are members of the anniversary committee, police officers and firefighters will spend the next 12 months wearing badges commemorating the city's anniversary.

"One of the first things they wanted to do was develop an anniversary badge for their respective departments," said Paul Foster, the chairman of the anniversary committee and the city's mayor pro tem.

"We thought it was an exciting idea. It became a commemorative item for every member of both the fire and police departments."

Both departments' badges were paid for by employees at no cost to the city. It's in recognition of the anniversary celebration, which will be celebrated through November 2013, the city said in a press statement.

The Police Department badge features the University of Redlands Memorial Chapel and historic city seal, along with the legend "1888-2013." Employees may wear the traditional badge or the anniversary badge.

The Fire Department badge was designed by a committee of firefighters.

"The badges would be a memory long after their career is over," Foster said. "I think that is great for them. At the same time, every day when they are out in public, not only will the badges be a symbol of the city but a symbol of the city's heritage in honor of the anniversary."

All personnel who ordinarily wear a badge during the performance of their duties - including firefighters, police officers, community service officers and animal control officers - may wear the anniversary badges.

Retired police personnel and those who don't ordinarily wear a badge were allowed to purchase display police badges encased in transparent plastic.

"They came up with a great design," Foster said. "We are very happy with the final product."